Golf swing muscle strengthener

ABSTRACT

A golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus ( 90 ) for strengthening the muscles used in the downswing of the golf swing. The apparatus includes a swing plane adjustment element ( 50 ) secured at an adjustably elevated position above the ground by a frame element ( 20 ) and support arm element ( 40 ). The swing plane adjustment element ( 50 ) houses a swing arm assembly ( 70 ) adjustable to various swing plane positions. The swing arm assembly ( 70 ) is operatively coupled to a resistance means, and has a swing arm ( 63 ) shaped to circumvent the golfer&#39;s upper torso and head. The swing arm ( 63 ) exhibits pivotal rotation around a central axis of rotation and has a pad element ( 80 ) attached at its distal end for accepting the golfer&#39;s forearm. The golfer&#39;s forearm presses against the pad element ( 80 ) at the peak of the backswing, and rotates the swing arm assembly ( 70 ) during the downswing phase of the golf swing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a second continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/286,537filed Nov. 2, 2002, now abandoned. The first continuation in partapplication is Ser. No. 11/004,307 filed Dec. 3, 2004. This applicationis also entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/338,051, filed Nov. 3, 2001.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to golf, specifically to a resistance exerciseapparatus for strengthening the muscles used in the golf swing.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

The golf swing is complex in that it requires strength but alsocoordinated precision and timing. The larger shoulder, torso, and backmuscles initiate the club's acceleration and momentum with thedownswing. As the club head approaches the ball, the number of musclesinvolved in the downswing increases. Specifically, the smaller forearm,wrist, and hand muscles join the larger muscles to continue the clubhead's acceleration, momentum, and centrifugal force as it approachesball contact. Additionally, these smaller muscles guide the club head tothe ball and square the club face to the intended direction at ballcontact. This coordinated procession of increased muscle activity as theclub approaches the ball requires exceptional timing and feel that canonly be attained by repetitive swinging of the golf club. Repetitionbrings familiarity with the club's weight, length, construction,response to ball contact, and response to ground contact creating whatis known as “feel” for the club. Any minor extrinsic force, pressure,restriction, or positional change can disrupt the coordination andtiming of this precise muscular activity resulting in an errant golfshot. This is the reason why hitting good golf shots consistently is sodifficult.

Many different golf exercising and strengthening devices can be found inthe prior art. Unfortunately, in their efforts to align the golfer'sswing path, improve posture and mechanics, or increase strength andswing speed, they apply external pressures, force positionaldisruptions, and cause movement restrictions that alter the timing andfeel of the golf swing. These devices hinder rather than help with thedevelopment of learned muscle activity necessary for making goodconsistent golf swings and ball contact.

Examples of golf swing strengthening apparatus include Moller's U.S.Pat. No. 3,785,657, Master's U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,002, Kiehl's U.S. Pat.No. 4,326,718, La Mothe's U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,882, Hart's U.S. Pat. No.5,156,402, Otter's U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,299, Hundley's U.S. Pat. No.5,242,344, Lee's U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,464, and Raynak's U.S. Pat. No.5,888,146. Each of these apparatus creates it's resistance against thegolf club or simulated golf club. The extrinsic force applied to thegolf club disturbs the precise muscular activity that occurs whenswinging the golf club freely. It places excessive tension across thehands, wrists, and forearms causing premature and excessive activity ofthese muscles resulting in altered timing and feel. Repetitive practicewith these devices makes it more difficult to execute the appropriateand timely procession of muscle activity needed to swing the free golfclub correctly.

Moller's device (U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,657), Raynak's device (U.S. Pat.No. 5,888,146) and Hundley's device (U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,344) restrictthe natural golf swing in another way. Kinematic analysis ofprofessional golfer's swings reveal that the shape of the golf swing asoutlined by the golfer's hands and club head is not truly circular.Instead, it is slightly oblong. The above three apparatus have a swingarm fixed at a certain length that rotates around a central pivot point,and is attached to the simulated golf club at a certain fixed point.This arrangement forces a perfectly circular and unnatural swing.Hundley attempts to solve this problem by offering a second handlestructure to his apparatus that allows some sliding of the simulatedgolf club relative to the swing arm so that there is some independencefrom the completely circular motion of the swing arm. This second handlestructure, however, only allows the club to slide in one directionrelative to the swing arm path rather than both directions. Therefore,the club is not totally independent of the swing arm's perfectlycircular motion. The result will be an impeded and unnatural golf swing.

Other prior inventions disclosed for golf training and exercise includeDagenais's U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,270, and Wolfs U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,013.These inventions focus on improving axial skeletal rotation andflexibility. Wolfs device includes a resistance means for strengtheningthe muscles of the axial skeleton used in the golf swing. Neither ofthese devices, however, allow the golfer to assume a natural golf swingposition with respect to the golfer's arms and hands. The golfer cannothold or swing the golf club using these apparatus because the arms andhands are separated. These devices also limit the movement of the armsat the shoulder joint. They make the arms move with the torso andshoulders but not independent from them. These positional and movementlimitations reduce the function of many important upper-body musclesused in the golf swing. The most important muscles affected are thesubscapularis, the latissimus dorsi, and the pectoralis major. Thesethree muscles have been found to be the most active upper-body musclesused in the golf swing. Each of these muscles originates in the uppertorso, crosses the shoulder joint, and inserts onto the humerus or upperarm bone. Translational and rotational movement of the humerusindependent from upper torso and shoulder rotation activates thesemuscles. These muscles are active in the golf swing because the armsexhibit significant translational and rotational motion separate fromupper torso and shoulder rotation. The inactivity of the golfer's armsusing Wolfs and Dagenais's apparatus results in compromised resistancetraining of these important golf swing muscles.

In summary, the apparatus listed above that attach directly to the golfclub or simulated golf club create unnatural tension on the hands,wrists and forearms and disrupt the “feel” of the freely swung golfclub. Some of these devices also force an unnatural perfectly circularswing path. The other devices listed above that focus on axial skeletalmuscle training do not permit the golfer to position the arms in amanner similar to a typical golf set-up position. They also don't permitthe arms to swing or even move independent from the shoulders and uppertorso. These devices are ineffective in training the upper body's mostactive golf swing muscles.

A 2005 article entitled “A three dimensional examination of the planarnature of the golf swing” by authors Coleman and Rankin shows that thelead arm in the golf swing steepens or becomes more vertical as thedownswing progresses. None of the apparatus discussed above addressesthis golf swing characteristic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the aforementioned problems. The presentinvention provides resistance strength training for the largest, mostactive, upper-body muscles used in the golf swing. It does not, however,impede the normal activity of the smaller, forearm, wrist, and handmuscles nor does it disrupt the natural “feel” of the golf club. Itaccomplishes this by providing resistance without attaching to thegolfer's golf club. Instead, it provides resistance against the golfer'sleading forearm as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. It employs a swing armassembly that exhibits pivotal rotation around a central axis when theswing arm is rotated. The swing arm has an extension bar that extendsout toward the golfer and supports a pad member. The pad member istypically cylindrical and has a hyperbolic shape designed to accept thegolfer's leading forearm. When the golfer exercises with this apparatus,the golfer begins in a fully extended back swing position with theleading forearm placed against the cylindrical pad. As the golferinitiates the downswing the leading forearm applies pressure to thecylindrical pad, which rotates the swing arm assembly against a means ofresistance. When the golfer finishes the downswing and reaches the ballcontact position, he or she then relaxes and allows the resistance topush the arms back up to the peak of the back swing. The downswing isthen repeated. Since there is no attachment to the golf club, there isno excess tension across the hands, wrists or forearms, and the clubfeels the same regardless of whether the golfer is using the apparatusor swinging the club freely. Therefore, the natural “feel” of the golfclub is not lost when using this apparatus.

The present invention also effectively strengthens the subscapularis,latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and other active, upper-body, golfswing muscles. It does so by focusing on translational motion of thearms during the downswing phase of the golf swing, and by providing ameans of resistance to the swing arm assembly. Translational motion ofthe arms in the downswing accelerates the club and requires significantmuscular activity. The downswing begins at the peak of the back swingand ends at the ball contact position. At the peak of the back swing theshoulders have rotated 90 degrees, but the arms have rotated back evenfurther. Some golfers can reach 180 degrees with their back swing armrotation. With the downswing, the arms must travel further and fasterthan the shoulders to “catch up” to them by the time the club reachesthe ball contact position. The arms travel further and faster than theshoulders because of the activity of the subscapularis, latissimusdorsi, and pectoralis major muscles. The resistance applied by the swingarm assembly against the golfer's translational arm motion during thedownswing strengthens these important muscles.

In addition to translational motion the arms also exhibit rotationalmotion with the downswing. At the peak of the back swing the posterioraspect of the leading hand and it's knuckles face in the direction thatthe golfers feet are pointing. At the ball contact position, however,the posterior aspect of the leading hand and its knuckles face in thedirection of where the ball is being hit. This rotation of the leadinghand occurs because the arms rotate 90 degrees with the downswing. FIG.4 demonstrates how the present invention provides a means foraccommodating this 90 degree rotation of the arms during the downswing.In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the swing arm's extensionbar has the cylindrical pad mounted slidably on its proximal end. Thedistal end of the extension bar has a spring biasing the cylindrical padtoward the proximal end. When the golfer exercises with this apparatus,the leading forearm is pressed perpendicularly against the cylindricalpad. With the downswing, the leading upper arm rotates at the shoulderjoint and the forearm supinates at the elbow joint resulting in this 90degree arm rotation against the cylindrical pad. The cylindrical padresponds to this arm rotation by sliding distally on the extension bartowards the spring. The cylindrical pad compresses the spring. When thegolfer reaches the ball contact position, he or she relaxes and allowsthe resistance to push the arms back toward the backswing position. Asthe arms are pushed back into the backswing position, the leading upperarm counter-rotates and the forearm pronates against the cylindrical padcausing the cylindrical pad to slide proximally along the extension barto its original position and allowing the spring to decompress. Thedownswing is repeated. In this manner, arm rotation in the downswing isnot restricted by the present invention.

Another advantage of this invention is that it accommodates the golfswing characteristic of the front or leading arm steepening or becomingmore vertical as the downswing progresses. It does so by using amulti-plane element that adjustably changes the angle of the extensionbar and cylindrical pad from the swing arm shown in fig. Angulating thecylindrical pad downward relative to the elevated swing arm results inthe extension bar and cylindrical pad changing its plane as the swingarm is rotated downward by the exercising golfer. This results in thegolfer's leading arm remaining perpendicular to the cylindrical pad asthe golfer's arm steepens during the downswing.

Another advantage of this invention is that it permits the golfer'sslightly oblong swing path to deviate from the unnatural, perfectlycircular path of the swing arm and cylindrical pad. The cylindrical padis designed to rotate on the extension bar and roll on the golfer'sleading forearm. As the leading forearm applies pressure against thecylindrical pad, the swing arm and the cylindrical pad exhibit pivotalmotion around the central axis of rotation and follow a perfectlycircular path. The golfer's arms, hands and golf club deviate from thisperfectly circular path and follow a slightly oblong path. Thisdeviation is accommodated by rotation of the cylindrical pad along theleading forearm allowing the golfer's arms, hands and golf club todeviate from the cylindrical pad's circular path and follow theirnatural swing path.

The present invention utilizes a second mechanism to accommodate thegolfer's oblong swing path from the perfectly circular path of the swingarm and cylindrical pad. The previously mentioned multi-plane elementconnects the cylindrical pad element to the swing arm element shown inFIGS. 19 a, 19 b, and 20. The multi-plane element has an extension barbase with associated bearings and two parallel shafts. The extension barbase and its bearing can move parallel to the swing arm on these twoparallel shafts. Therefore, the extension bar base, the extension bar,and the cylindrical pad move in the same plane as the swing arm so thatthe golfer's swing can be independent from the swing arm's perfectlycircular motion.

Another advantage of this invention is that it promotes a straightleading arm in the golf swing. A straight leading arm is a well-knownfundamental of the golf swing. It is essential for consistentlyreturning the club head to the ball to make good ball contact. Since theleading arm is against the cylindrical pad in the present invention, itbears more of the resistance force than the back arm. Also, since thecylindrical pad is against the golfer's forearm, the muscles around theelbow and shoulder joints will bear the stress of the resistance force.Larger muscles can bear more force than smaller muscles, and contractedmuscles can bear more force than extended muscles. If the elbow of theleading arm is bent during use of this exercise apparatus, considerableforce will be placed on the relatively small, extended triceps musclesof the upper arm. Fully contracting the triceps muscle increases itsability to bear more force, straightens the elbow and reduces stressacross this joint. The straightened elbow transmits greater force to theshoulder joint and the larger upper torso muscles that control andsupport the shoulder joint. Since larger muscles can handle greaterforce, it feels more comfortable to maintain a straight elbow than abent elbow when using the present apparatus.

Other features of this invention further define its objects andadvantages. The swing arm assembly is elevated to the golfer's uppertorso by a vertical frame that is stabilized by a base. A heightadjustment means and a swing plane adjustment element permits the golferto assume a comfortable golf swing position. A support arm, which hasthe swing arm assembly at its distal end, provides separation betweenthe golfer and the vertical frame so that the golfer can swing the golfclub unimpeded. The swing arm assembly is rotatable in both directionsaccommodating right-handed and left-handed golfers. The swing armassembly also incorporates a means for adjusting the swing arm tovarious, backswing, starting position based on the golfer's flexibility.The swing arm has an approximate S-shape, L-shape, or J-shape thatplaces the distal aspect of the swing arm parallel to the golfer'sleading forearm while providing headroom for the golfer proximally. Anadjustable slider and torque bolt on the proximal aspect of the swingarm allows the distal aspect of the swing arm, the multi-plane elementand the cylindrical pad to be adjustable for varying arm lengths.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentby a review of the specifications, claims, and appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus in the starting position for the right-handed golfer.

FIG. 3 is an expanded perspective view of the main components of thegolf swing muscle strengthener.

FIG. 4 is a bird's eye view illustrating the golfer's 90 degree armrotation, as well as the position change of the pad member thataccommodates this arm rotation.

FIG. 5 is a bird's eye view of the first support arm element embodiment,the first swing plane adjustment element embodiment in partial section,the third swing arm assembly embodiment in partial section, and theframe element in partial section.

FIG. 6 is a cross section of the first embodiment of the swing armassembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross section of the fourth embodiment of the swing armassembly.

FIG. 8 is a cross section of the third and preferred embodiment of theswing arm assembly.

FIG. 9 is a cross section of the second embodiment of the swing armassembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the first swingplane adjustment element embodiment, the first swing arm assemblyembodiment, and the cable, weights and pulley resistance means.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the first swingplane adjustment element embodiment, the first swing arm assemblyembodiment, and the elastic band resistance means.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the first swingplane adjustment element embodiment, the third and preferred swing armassembly embodiment, and the cable, weights and pulley resistance means.

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view of the first swing plane adjustmentelement embodiment, the second swing arm assembly embodiment, and thetorsion disc resistance means.

FIG. 13 b is a side view of the first swing plane adjustment elementembodiment, the fourth swing arm assembly embodiment, and the resistancegenerating unit resistance means.

FIG. 14 a is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the swingplane adjustment element, and partial section of the second support armelement embodiment.

FIG. 14 b is an expanded, perspective view of the second embodiment ofthe swing plane adjustment element, and partial section of the secondsupport arm element embodiment.

FIG. 14 c is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the swingplane adjustment element.

FIG. 14 d is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the swingplane adjustment element.

FIG. 14 e is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the swingplane adjustment element.

FIG. 15 a shows a perspective view of the first support arm elementembodiment.

FIG. 15 b shows a perspective view of the fifth support arm elementembodiment.

FIG. 15 c shows a perspective view of the third support arm elementembodiment.

FIG. 15 d shows a perspective view of the fourth support arm elementembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 a is a view from behind of an elite golfer's swing demonstratingthe front arm planar position during the backswing (A) and during thedownswing (B).

FIG. 18 b is a side view of an embodiment of the invention demonstratingthe planar change (from A to B) of the pad member from the backswingpeak to the ball contact position.

FIG. 19 a is a side view of the multi-plane element in a non-angulatedposition.

FIG. 19 b is a side view of the multi-plane element in an angulatedposition.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   10 base element-   11 platform-   12 platform-   13 a-b side extensions-   14 a-b pivot bolts-   15 locking pin-   16 pin hole-   17 weight rack frame-   18 a-b abutments-   19 side aperture-   20 frame element-   21 a-b side members-   22 main support frame-   23 weight plates-   24 selector rod-   25 upper weight rack member-   26 a-b vertical guide bars-   27 resistance cord hole-   28 connecting beam-   29 selector pin-   31 a-b vertical extensions-   32 horizontal frame member-   32 a-b lateral sides-   32 c posterior side-   34 arcuate member-   36 apertures-   38 height selector pin-   40 support arm element-   41 pulley opening-   42 a-b-c mounting hinge brackets-   43 support arm element counterweight-   44 height adjustment handle-   45 support arm member-   45 a proximal support arm half-   45 b distal support arm half-   46 swing plane pin-   47 a-b cross attachments-   48 passage-   49 slot-   50 swing plane adjustment element-   51 body-   51 a dorsal surface-   51 b anterior surface-   51 c posterior surface-   51 d ventral surface-   52 swing plane adjustment element counterweight-   54 semi-circular member-   55 aperture-   56 adjustment lever-   57 shaft housing suspension members-   58 shaft housing-   59 slot-   61 shaft-   61 a shaft extension-   61 b proximal shaft-   61 c mid shaft-   61 d distal shaft-   62 neck-   63 swing arm-   63 a proximal swing arm segment-   63 b distal swing arm segment-   65 stabilization rod-   70 swing arm assembly-   71 wheel-   72 C-shaped groove-   73 pairs of circumferential apertures-   74 wheel member proximal side-   75 wheel member distal side-   77 cylindrical socket-   78 mid-radius wheel apertures-   79 swing arm selector pin-   80 pad element-   81 pad member-   83 distal pad spring-   84 proximal pad spring-   85 extension bar-   87 bolt-   89 slider-   90 golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus-   91 resistance cord-   93 resistance cord hook-   94 resistance cord ring-   95 hinge-   98 anchoring pin-   99 elastic band-   101 threaded fulcrum bolt-   102 nylon thrust washer-   103 nylon bushing-   105 fulcrum housing-   106 nylon thrust washer-   107 lock nut-   108 a-b engagement holes-   109 hinge-   111 hinge bolt-   112 nylon thrust washer-   113 distal housing-   114 nylon bushing-   116 nylon thrust washer-   117 lock nut-   118 a-b engagement holes-   131 nylon or metallic clip-   133 shaft bearings-   135 nylon washer-   137 central opening bearings-   138 nylon washer-   139 socket bearings-   138 nylon washer-   141 central opening-   143 truncated shaft-   150 vertical component-   160 horizontal component-   201 pulley-   202 a-b brackets-   203 cord guide-   205 pulley unit-   211 pulley-   212 a-b brackets-   213 pulley axis-   214 cord guide-   215 pulley unit-   221 left-handed guide pulley-   222 right-handed guide pulley-   223 pulley axis-   224 pulley axis-   225 U-bolt-   230 resistance generating unit-   231 input-   300 torsion disc-   301 central aperture-   302 square rubber disc-   303 metallic central member-   305 plastic encasement-   306 central hole-   307 square compartment-   309 peripheral hole-   401 hydraulic unit-   411 short apertured square tubing-   412 square tube slider-   413 hinge brackets-   417 apertures-   421 a-b base member extensions-   423 central base member-   425 hinge brackets-   451 axis rod-   452 a-b hinge brackets-   481 L-extension-   501 long apertured square tubing-   502 apertures-   531 square tube-   541 hydraulic unit-   550 multi-plane element-   551 swing plane manual sidewind jack-   552 swing plane manual sidewind jack handle-   553 height adjustment manual sidewind jack-   554 height adjustment manual sidewind jack handle-   555 swing arm counterweight-   556 proximal swing arm slider-   557 slider knob screw-   561 pulley plate-   562 threaded hinge block-   563 unthreaded hinge block-   564 multi-plane base-   565 multi-plane knob-   566 fully threaded bolt-   567 multi-plane hinge platform-   568 multi-plane hinge platform bolt-   569 threaded hinge block bolt-   570 a distal shaft end-   570 b proximal shaft end-   571 bolt head-   572 arm strap-   573 a proximal O ring-   573 b distal O ring-   574 a proximal E ring-   574 b distal E ring-   575 shaft collar-   576 parallel shafts-   577 a proximal pad bearing-   577 b distal pad bearing-   578 unthreaded hinge block bolt-   581 a distal parallel springs-   581 b proximal parallel springs-   582 bolt E ring

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus 90 constructed in accordance to an embodiment of theinvention. The apparatus 90 has a vertical component 150 comprising abase element 10 and a frame element 20, and a horizontal component 160comprising a support arm element 40, a swing plane adjustment element50, a swing arm assembly 70 and a pad element 80. The orientation of thehorizontal component 160 structures are described in the specifications,claims and appended figures using the terms “proximal” for elements orportions of elements that are closer to the vertical component 150 and“distal” for elements or portions of elements that are further from thevertical component 150 (and closer to the exercising golfer).

The Base Element

FIG. 1 shows a base element 10 that supports the apparatus 90 and theexercising golfer. The exercising golfer's weight on base element 10helps stabilize the apparatus 90. The base element 10, in the preferredembodiment, comprises two platforms, 11 and 12, connected together in ahorizontal plane on the floor. Platform 11 supports apparatus 90, andplatform 12 provides an area for the golfer to stand. Together, theyprovide space for the exercising golfer to swing the golf clubunimpeded. Platform 12 has two side extensions 13 a-b that extend alongeach side of platform 11. Side extensions 13 a-b are attached to eachside of platform 11 by pivot bolts 14 a-b. Platform 12 can pivotallyrotate around pivot bolts 14 a-b so that it can be folded up fromplatform 11 for purposes of storage or shipping. When the apparatus 90is to be used by the golfer, platform 12 is folded down. A locking pin15 is attached to side extension 13 b on platform 12 approximately onefoot from pivot bolt 14. Platform 11 has an pin hole 16 that opposeslocking pin 15 when platform 12 is folded down to lie in the horizontalplane with platform 11. Locking pin 15 on platform 12 inserts into pinhole 16 on platform 11 to rigidly stabilize the two platforms together.The two points of fixation between platforms 11 and 12 (pivot bolt 14and locking pin 15) rigidly fixate platform 12 to platform 11. Thisrigid fixation between platforms allows the golfer's weight on platform12 to stabilize platform 11 and the attached apparatus 90.

Alternatively, the base element 10 can be comprised of one solidplatform or many platforms that can be reduced in size for storage byfragmentation, folding, or telescopically sliding. Ideally, the baseelement is covered with an artificial golf turf for protecting the golfclub when the golf club is swung.

Another alternative has the base element 10 simply comprised of multipleflat bars or square tubing as shown in FIG. 17. Base element 10, in thisembodiment, has a central base member 423 positioned under a frameelement 20 and has two base member extensions 421 and 422. The golferstands on the floor in this embodiment.

The Frame Element

FIGS. 1 and 3 show the frame element 20 that is rigidly attached toplatform 11 and elevates the horizontal component 160 to the level ofthe golfer's upper torso. The approximate height of frame element 20ranges from 4-6 feet. In one embodiment, frame element 20 is comprisedof three main members: a weight rack frame 17, a main support frame 22,and a horizontal frame member 32. Weight rack frame 17, which has sidemembers 21 a-b and an upper weight rack member 25, provides arectangular framework in which a stack of weight plates 23 is located.Weight plates 23 have two peripheral apertures and one central aperture.The two peripheral apertures accommodate vertical guide bars 26 a-b (26b not shown in FIG. 1). Vertical guide bars 26 a-b extend within weightrack frame 17 and through weight plates 23 from platform 11 to the upperweight rack member 25. Vertical guide bars 26 a-b extend through weightplates 23 such that weight plates 23 are vertically slidable and movablealong the length of vertical guide bars 26 a-b. A selector rod 24extends through the central apertures of weight plates 23. While notshown in detail in the figures, selector rod 24 comprises acylindrically shaped rod having a plurality of apertures therein alongits length. Each aperture corresponds with a weight plate 23. Eachweight plate 23 has a side aperture 19. A selector pin 29 (not shown inFIG. 1) is inserted through a selected weight plate side aperture 19 andthe corresponding aperture of selector rod 24 to select the desiredamount of resistance weight.

Main support frame 22 is the second main member of the frame element 20and the longest vertical member of the vertical component 150. Mainsupport frame 22 is rigidly attached to platform 11 in an uprightposition in close proximity to weight rack frame 17. As main supportframe 22 extends upward, it receives a connecting beam 28 from upperweight rack member 25. At its uppermost point, main support frame 22forks into two vertical extensions 31 a-b. Between vertical extensions31 a-b is a pulley unit 205 consisting of a pulley 201, two brackets 202a-b (best seen in FIG. 5), and a cord guide 203. Pulley unit 205 guidesand redirects a resistance cord 91 from a vertical to a horizontaldirection.

Lateral to pulley unit 205, vertical extensions 31 a-b each form a Tjunction with a horizontal frame member 32. The horizontal frame member32, best seen in FIG. 5, is an elongated, U-shaped, horizontal structurethat has two lateral sides 32 a-b and a posterior side 32 c. The lateralsides 32 a-b of horizontal frame member 32 form the tops of the Tjunctions with vertical extensions 31 a-b. Posterior side 32 c has aheight selector pin 38. Horizontal frame member 32 is positioned with aU-opening facing toward the golfer. The U-opening has engagement holes108 a-b on each lateral side 32 a-b. A threaded fulcrum bolt 101 runsacross the U-opening and connects the two lateral sides 32 a-b ofhorizontal frame member 32. Another embodiment has pulley unit 205positioned so that threaded fulcrum bolt 101 runs through the axis ofpulley unit 205 (FIG. 16).

An alternative embodiment for frame element 20, when the cable, weights,and pulley resistance means is not used and the weight rack frame 17 isabsent, comprises a plurality of abutments 18 attached to main supportframe 22. Another embodiment has a plurality of main support frames 22.

Another embodiment has the main support frame 22 leaning towards thegolfer to deliver the horizontal component 160 closer to the exercisinggolfer while maintaining space for the golfer to swing the golf club(FIG. 16). This embodiment does not have the horizontal frame member 32.Instead, it has an upright frame member 33 that is supported on weightrack frame 17. Height selector pin 38 is attached to upright framemember 33.

Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, also lacks the horizontal framemember 32. This embodiment has an elongated weight rack frame 17, and amain support frame 22 made up of long apertured square tubing 501 thatis slidably positioned within a square tube 531. Square tube 531 isattached to central base member 423 with hinge brackets 425 and has theheight selector pin 38 attached at its uppermost aspect. The longapertured square tubing 501 is slidable within square tube 531 foradjusting the height of the swing arm assembly 70. Height selector pin38 inserts into a selected aperture 502 of long apertured square tubing501 and fixates long apertured square tubing 501 within square tube 531.A hydraulic unit 541 runs parallel to long apertured square tubing 501and square tube 531 and supports slidable motion between them. Apneumatic unit can also be used in place of hydraulic unit 541.

The Support Arm Element

A support arm element 40 creates separation between the golfer and theframe element 20 so that the golfer can swing the golf club unimpeded.Additionally, the support arm element 40 provides a means for adjustingthe height of a swing arm assembly 70 to accommodate varying golfers'heights.

In the first embodiment, the support arm element 40, best seen in FIGS.1,3,5 and 15, has an elongated support arm member 45 that is positionedwithin and extends out from the horizontal frame member 32. Theapproximate length of support arm member 45 is 2.5 to 4.5 feet. In FIG.5, a threaded fulcrum bolt 101 crosses the U-opening and connects theengagement holes 108 a-b on the two lateral sides 32 a-b of horizontalframe member 32. The threaded fulcrum bolt 101 passes through theengagement hole 108 a, a nylon thrust washer 102, a fulcrum housing 105located at the approximate midpoint of the support arm member 45, anylon thrust washer 106, and through the engagement hole 108 b. A locknut 107 is attached to threaded fulcrum bolt 101 to hold it in position.These components create a hinge 95 that divides support arm member 45into a proximal support arm half 45 a and a distal support arm half 45b. A nylon bushing 103 lines fulcrum housing 105 to assure smoothmovement of support arm member 45 on horizontal frame member 32 at hinge95. Threaded fulcrum bolt 101 supports and suspends the support armmember 45 such that the support arm member 45 exhibits teetering motionon threaded fulcrum bolt 101 in the sagittal plane. Downward movement ofthe proximal support arm half 45 a causes upward movement of the distalsupport arm half 45 b, and upward movement of the proximal support armhalf 45 a causes downward movement of the distal support arm half 45 b.The proximal support arm half 45 a moves between the lateral sides 32a-b of horizontal frame member 32 when the support arm member 45 teeterson threaded fulcrum bolt 101. At its most proximal aspect, proximalsupport arm half 45 a has an arcuate member 34 that has a plurality ofapertures 36. Arcuate member 34 is used to adjust and stabilize theheight of the distal support arm half 45 b. As support arm member 45 ismoved on threaded fulcrum bolt 101, arcuate member 34 passes in closeproximity to the posterior side 32 c of horizontal frame member 32. Theposterior side 32 c has a height selector pin 38 that inserts into aselected aperture 36 of arcuate member 34. By inserting into theselected aperture 36 on arcuate member 34, height selector pin 38stabilizes support arm member 45 and fixates the distal support arm half45 b and the more distal apparatus 90 structures at the selected golferheight position.

FIGS. 5 and 15 a shows that the support arm element 40 also includes apulley opening 41, a counterweight 43, a distal housing 113, a swingplane pin 46, and a passage 48. Pulley opening 41 is located on proximalsupport arm half 45 a and provides an opening for pulley unit 205 andresistance cord 91 (FIG. 1). Counterweight 43 is an optional memberlocated on the proximal support arm half 45 a. It is a safety featurethat equalizes the weight of the lighter proximal support arm half 45 awith the heavier distal support arm half 45 b so that the center ofbalance is located on threaded fulcrum bolt 101. This results in a slow,balanced, teetering motion of support arm member 45 around fulcrum bolt101 allowing the golfer to change height positions of the distal supportarm half 45 b with minimal effort. Counterweight 43 can be located onthe dorsal or ventral aspect of the proximal support arm half 43 a.Continuing with FIG. 5, the distal housing 113 is found at the end ofdistal support arm half 45 b. The distal housing 113 is a hollow,cylindrical space that runs perpendicular to the long axis of thesupport arm member 45 and holds a threaded hinge bolt 111. A nylonbushing 114 lines distal housing 113. The threaded hinge bolt 111connects the support arm element 40 to a swing plane adjustment element50 via a hinge 109. The swing plane adjustment element 50 has engagementholes 118 a and 118 b through which threaded hinge bolt 111 passes.Threaded hinge bolt 111 passes through the engagement hole 118 a, anylon thrust washer 112, the distal housing 113, a nylon thrust washer116, and the engagement hole 118 b. A lock nut 117 is attached tothreaded hinge bolt 111 to hold it in position. Just proximal to hinge109 is a passage 48 within distal support arm member 45 b. Passage 48runs parallel to hinge 109 and holds the swing plane pin 46. Swing planepin 46 extends out from passage 48 and inserts into an aperture 55 on asemi-circular member 54 of swing plane adjustment element 50.

A second embodiment of support arm element 40 has semi-circular member54 attached to support arm member 45, and passage 48 and swing plane pin46 attached to swing plane adjustment element 50 (FIG. 14 a and FIG. 14b). This second embodiment has a slot 49 at the distal aspect of supportarm member 45 so that a pulley unit 215 is positioned within hinge 109.

A third embodiment for support arm element 40 has the distal support armhalf 45 b angulated downward on proximal support arm half 45 a, shown inFIGS. 15 c and 16. This downward, angulation positions hinge 95 abovethe proximal and distal support arm halves 45 a-b and makes it easier tobalance support arm member 45 on fulcrum bolt 101. This enhanced balanceof support arm member 45 on frame element 20 makes the apparatus 90safer. Also note that in this embodiment, support arm member 45 iscomposed of two parallel beams that have one or more cross attachments(47 a and 47 b). The space between the parallel beams of support armmember 45 and cross attachments 47 a and 47 b makes up pulley opening41. The placement of pulley unit 205 in this embodiment is in alignmentwith fulcrum bolt 101 (FIG. 16). Fulcrum bolt 101 acts as the axis ofpulley unit 205. Also seen in FIGS. 15 c and 16 is the swing plane pin46 attached to an L-extension 481 extending laterally from the distalsupport arm half 45 b instead of being positioned within passage 48.Also, a height adjustment handle 44 is shown in this embodiment (FIG. 15c).

A fourth support arm element 40 embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 d and 17has fulcrum housing 105 and hinge 95 positioned at the most proximalaspect of support arm member 45. An axis rod 451 runs through fulcrumhousing 105 and is attached to the weight stack frame 17 via mountinghinge brackets 452 a-b. The support arm member 45 exhibits pivotalmotion around axis rod 451. There is no teetering motion or balancing ofsupport arm element 40 on vertical frame element 20 because a hydraulicunit 541 supports the weight of the distal apparatus 90 structures. Thehydraulic unit 541 is an alternative to balancing support arm member 45on frame element 20 and using counterweight 43. FIG. 17 shows thehydraulic unit 541 originating from square tube 531 of frame element 20and inserting onto the underside of support arm member 45. Mountinghinge brackets 42 a and 42 b are positioned on the underside of crossattachments 47 a and 47 b (not shown) for accepting hydraulic unit 541and long apertured square tubing 501, respectively. Hydraulic unit 541helps overcome the weight of support arm member 45 and the distalapparatus 90 structures when the golfer adjusts the height of the swingarm assembly 70. Other alternatives for hydraulic unit 541 are pneumaticor elastic units that originate from frame element 20 and insert ontosupport arm element 40. Also shown in FIGS. 15 d and 17 is the heightadjustment handle 44.

The preferred support arm element 40 embodiment is shown in FIG. 15 band FIG. 20. This embodiment employs a height adjustment, manual,sidewind jack 553 and a swing plane, manual, sidewind jack 551 (FIG.20). Manual sidewind jack 551 attaches to proximal support arm half 45 aat mounting hinge bracket 42 c, and manual sidewind jack 553 attaches toproximal support arm half 45 a at mounting hinge bracket 42 b (FIG. 15b). Fulcrum housing 105 and hinge 95 are positioned in the center ofsupport arm member 45. Pulley unit 205 is positioned in alignment withfulcrum housing 105. Support arm element 40 connects to swing planeadjustment element 50 via hinge 109 (FIG. 20). Manual sidewind jack 551also attaches to swing plane adjustment element 50. Rotation of manualsidewind jack handle 552 effectively lengthens or shortens manualsidewind jack 551 causing angular changes to the swing plane adjustmentelement 50 on support arm element 40 at hinge 109. Use of the manualsidewind jack 551 eliminates the need for passage 48 and swing plane pin46 since manual sidewind jack 551 holds the swing plane adjustmentelement 50 in a stationary position when manual sidewind jack handle 552is not being rotated. Manual sidewind jack 553 attaches to main supportframe 22. Rotation of manual sidewind jack handle 554 lengthens orshortens manual sidewind jack 553 causing angular changes of support armelement 40 on main support frame 22 at hinge 95 to adjust for variablegolfer height positions. Use of manual sidewind jack 553 eliminates theneed for arcuate member 34, height adjustment handle 44 andcounterweight 43.

The Swing Plane Adjustment Element

FIG. 3 shows the swing plane adjustment element 50 distally connected tothe support arm element 40. The swing plane adjustment element 50provides a means for changing the sagittal plane angle of the moredistal apparatus 90 structures for accommodating various golfer swingplane angles.

The first, swing plane adjustment element embodiment 50 is shown inFIGS. 1,3,6 and 10. It has a body 51 (FIG. 6), an adjustment lever 56(FIG. 1), a swing plane fixation means in the form of a semi-circularmember 54 (FIGS. 1 and 10), a shaft housing 58 and shaft housingsuspension members 57 (FIGS. 6 and 10). The body 51 is hinged to thedistal support arm half 45 b as described above. Referring specificallyto FIG. 10, the first embodiment has the body 51 shaped like a sidewardL having a dorsal surface 51 a, an anterior surface 51 b, a posteriorsurface 51 c (see FIG. 6), and ventral surface 51 d. The ventral surface51 d has shaft housing suspension members 57 that extend down from body51. Attached to the bottom of shaft housing suspension members 57 is theshaft housing 58. The shaft housing 58 rotatably accepts a shaft 61 froma swing arm assembly 70 and provides a central axis of rotation for theswing arm assembly 70. Shaft housing 58 contains shaft housing bearing133 for allowing frictionless rotation of shaft 61 and the swing armassembly 70 (see FIG. 6). The adjustment lever 56, which rigidlyconnects to body 51, branches proximally parallel and in close proximityto the distal support arm half 45 b, best seen in FIG. 1. The adjustmentlever 56 has a counterweight 52 and the semi-circular member 54.Counterweight 52 is an optional safety feature that counterbalances theheavier structures distal to hinge 109 so that the center of balance islocated on hinge 109. The counterweight 52 allows the exercising golferto change the sagittal plane, angle position of swing plane adjustmentelement 50 with minimal effort. Other alternatives for counterweight 52are hydraulic, pneumatic, or elastic units that originate from thesupport arm element 40 or vertical frame element 20 and insert onto theswing plane adjustment element 50 to control the movement of the heavierdistal structures. The semi-circular member 54 on adjustment lever 56has a plurality of apertures 55 arcuately aligned to hinge 109 and hingebolt 111, best seen in FIG. 10. Sagittal plane movement of the swingplane adjustment element 50 around hinge 109 passes each aperture 55adjacent to swing plane pin 46. Fixation of the swing plane adjustmentelement 50 into a particular sagittal plane angular position requiresplacing swing plane pin 46 on distal support arm half 45 b into theselected aperture 55 on semi-circular member 54.

FIG. 10 shows that the dorsal surface 51 a of swing plane adjustmentelement 51 has a pulley unit 215 consisting of two brackets 212 a-b, apulley 211, a cord guide 214 (not shown) and a pulley axis 213. Theanterior surface 51 b has a left-handed guide pulley 221 with pulleyaxis 223 and a right-handed guide pulley 222 with pulley axis 224 sideby side. Pulley unit 215 guides and redirects the horizontal resistancecord 91 downward between left-handed guide pulley 221 and right-handedguide pulley 222. Resistance cord 91 runs between left-handed guidepulley 221 and right-handed guide pulley 222 before inserting onto awheel 71 of the swing arm assembly 70.

Alternative embodiments of the swing plane adjustment element 50, areshown in FIGS. 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d and 14 e. The second embodiment ofswing plane adjustment element 50 is shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b. Thisembodiment has body 51 being a vertical, planar shape as opposed tobeing L-shaped and there is minimal surface area on dorsal surface 51 a.Pulley unit 215 is, therefore, incorporated within the hinge 109 membersinstead of sitting on dorsal surface 51 a. Hinge 109 is unchanged fromthe preferred embodiment except for pulley unit 215 positioned in themiddle. Hinge bolt 111 is positioned through engagement holes 118 a and118 b and passes through the center of pulley 211, suspending pulley 211within hinge 109. A slot 49 on the distal aspect of distal support armhalf 45 b and a slot 59 on the dorsal half of body 51 provides room forpulley 211 within hinge 109. This second embodiment also has a differentadjustment lever 56. In this embodiment, the swing plane pin 46 and thesemi-circular member 54 are reversed. The swing plane pin 46 is locatedon adjustment lever 56, and the semi-circular member 54 is connected tothe distal support arm half 45 b. Swing plane pin 46 inserts intoaperture 55 on semi-circular member 54 to stabilize the swing planeadjustment element 50 on the support arm member 45.

A third embodiment for swing plane adjustment element 50 is shown inFIGS. 14 d and 16. In this embodiment, the adjustment lever 56 is placedin an upward position from body 51: This position provides the bestbalance for swing plane adjustment element 50 and the swing arm assembly70 structures on hinge 109. The approximate angular position ofadjustment lever 56 compared with body 51 is approximately 30 degrees.The counterweight 52 is located at the top of adjustment lever 56. Theexact length of adjustment lever 56, the exact weight of counterweight52, and the exact angular position of adjustment lever 56 to body 51 isbased on the weight of the swing arm assembly 70 structures. In thisembodiment, the semi-circular member 54 is an arcuate shape that hasattachments to the adjustment lever 56 and body 51. The semi-circularmember 54 is positioned between the L-extension 481 and the distalsupport arm half 45 b. The swing plane pin 46, which is rigidlyconnected to L-extension 481, is inserted into one of a plurality ofapertures 55 on semi-circular member 54. The apertures 55 onsemi-circular member 54 are aligned to swing plane pin 46 as swing planeadjustment element 50 is moved into different swing plane positions.Placing swing plane pin 46 through a selected aperture 55 onsemi-circular member 54 fixates swing plane adjustment element 50 into aselected swing plane position.

A fourth embodiment for swing plane adjustment element 50 (shown inFIGS. 14 c and 17) has a hydraulic unit 401 originating from the distalsupport arm half 45 b and attaching to the uppermost aspect ofadjustment lever 56. This hydraulic unit 401 replaces counterweight 52and makes it easy for the golfer to adjust the swing plane adjustmentelement 50 into a different swing plane angular position. Thisembodiment also uses a different swing plane fixation means. Instead ofhaving the semi-circular member 54, there is a short apertured squaretubing 411 and a square tube slider 412. Short apertured square tubing411 is slidable within square tube slider 412. Short apertured squaretubing 411 is attached to hinged brackets 42 c on the underside ofsupport arm member 45, and square tube slider 412 is attached to hingedbrackets 413 that project down from shaft housing 58. Repositioning ofswing plane adjustment element 50 by the exercising golfer causes shortapertured square tubing 411 to slide within square tube slider 412.Square tube slider 412 has the swing plane pin 46 that inserts into oneof a plurality of apertures 417 on short apertured square tubing 411 tofixate swing plane adjustment element 50 into the selected swing planeposition.

A fifth swing plane adjustment element 50 embodiment is the preferredembodiment and is shown in FIG. 14 e and FIG. 20. This embodiment hasthe shaft housing 58 positioned on top of body 51 and the adjustmentlever 56 positioned near the bottom of body 51. Engagement holes 118 aand 118 b are positioned in the middle of body 51 at hinge 109. A pulleyplate 561 is rigidly attached to body 51 just above engagement holes 118a and 118 b. Pulleys 221 and 222 rotatably attach to pulley plate 561 asshown in FIG. 20. Screw jack 551 attaches to adjustment lever 56 onswing plane adjustment element 50, and attaches to hinge bracket 42 c onproximal support arm half 45 a. Rotation of handle 552 of screw jack 551lengthens or shortens screw jack 551 which changes the angular positionof swing plane adjustment element 50 relative to support arm element 40via hinge 109.

The Swing Arm Assembly and Resistance Means

Referring to FIG. 3, the swing arm assembly 70 is located distal to theswing plane adjustment element 50, and is rotated by the exercisinggolfer. The golfer rotates this structure against a connected resistancemeans so that the golfer exercises and strengthens the muscles used inexecuting the downswing phase of the golf swing. The swing arm assembly70 accommodates left-handed and right-handed golfers, provides a meansof adjusting a swing arm 63 to various backswing starting positions, isshaped to allow the golfer to swing naturally, and supports a padelement 80.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the swing arm assembly 70 has a shaft 61, awheel 71 and a swing arm 63. The first swing arm assembly 70 embodimenthas shaft 61, wheel 71, and swing arm 63 rigidly attached together androtatable as a single unit best illustrated in FIG. 6. Shaft 61 hasthree locational segments: a proximal shaft 61 b, a mid-shaft 61 c, anda distal shaft 61 d. Proximal shaft 61 b protrudes out of shaft housing58 and has an attached nylon or metallic clip 131 that prevents shaft 61from sliding distally out of shaft housing 58. Mid-shaft 61 c isrotatably supported within shaft housing 58 so that the swing armassembly 70 rotates about a central axis of rotation. Distal shaft 61 dextends out from shaft housing 58 to rigidly connect to the center ofproximal side 74 of wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a distal side 75 that has aswing arm 63 rigidly and centrally attached. Swing arm 63 extends outtowards the exercising golfer. Rotation of swing arm 63 by theexercising golfer rotates wheel 71 and the centrally attached shaft 61within shaft housing 58 of swing plane adjustment element 50. Shafthousing 58 has shaft bearings 133 that provide for smooth rotation ofshaft 61 within shaft housing 58.

The first swing arm assembly 70 embodiment can employ two types ofresistance means: weight plates 23 and elastic bands 99. As shown inFIG. 1, the resistance means are weight plates 23 connected to the wheel71 via a resistance cord 91 guided by pulley units 205, 215, 221, and222. Resistance cord 91 originates from selector rod 24 and extendsvertically until it reaches pulley unit 205. Pulley unit 205 thenre-directs resistance cord 91 distally and horizontally. Resistance cord91 travels horizontally until it reaches pulley unit 215 located on thedorsal surface 51 a of the body 51 (see FIG. 10). Pulley unit 215re-directs resistance cord 91 downward toward wheel 71. Resistance cord91 passes between left-handed guide pulley 221 and right-handed guidepulley 222 before attaching to wheel 71. Resistance cord 91 anchors to apair of opposing circumferential apertures 73 on wheel 71 via aresistance cord hook 93. An alternative attachment mechanism forresistance cord 91 is the use of a resistance cord ring 94 instead ofthe resistance cord hook 93 as shown in FIG. 12. The resistance cordring 94 is continuous with the end of resistance cord 91 and is attachedby an anchoring pin 98 on wheel 71. Referring back to FIG. 10,resistance cord 91 exhibits varying degrees of tautness at its insertiononto the wheel 71 because apparatus 90 is adjustable for various heightsand swing planes. Adjusting the height and swing plane places wheel 71and the swing arm assembly 70 into multiple potential positions. Thelength of cord 91 is not adjustable to the multiple positions of wheel71 and, therefore, will have varying degrees of tautness based on theposition of wheel 71 and the swing arm assembly 70. An excessively slackresistance cord 91 would fail in moving weight plates 23 and render thisresistance means ineffective. This potential problem is resolved in twoways. Firstly, the apparatus 90 has two pulley units 205 and 215 thatoffset each other when the height and/or the swing plane are adjusted.When the distal support arm half 45 b is brought down, it lowers theheight, increases a predetermined swing plane angle and tightens theresistance cord 91 at pulley 205. Placing the swing plane angle back tothe original position loosens the resistance cord 91 at pulley unit 215and neutralizes any change in resistance cord 91 tautness. When thedistal support arm half 45 b is raised, it increases the height, reducesa predetermined swing plane angle, and loosens the resistance cord 91 atpulley unit 205. Placing the swing plane angle back to the originalposition tightens the resistance cord 91 at pulley unit 215 andneutralizes any change in resistance cord tautness. Secondly, the wheel71 has a plurality of opposing pairs of circumferential apertures 73onto which resistance cord 91 can attach. The resistance cord 91 ispulled taut by the exercising golfer and attached to the appropriatepair of circumferential apertures 73 which maintains the tautness. Theselected pair of circumferential apertures 73 on wheel 71 can bepositioned close to the taut resistance cord 91 by simply rotating wheel71 so that the selected pair of circumferential apertures 73 is moved toan upper position on wheel 71 closest to the resistance cord hook 93.Resistance cord hook 93 is anchored to the pair of circumferentialapertures 73 to maintain the position of wheel 71. Since the swing arm63 is rigidly and non-rotatably attached to wheel 71, rotation of thewheel 71 moves and positions swing arm 63. When the selected pair ofcircumferential apertures 73 is moved to an upper position of wheel 71and anchored by the resistance cord hook 93, the swing arm 63 moves andis placed in a certain starting position. Each anchored pair of opposingcircumferential apertures 73 corresponds to a different swing arm 63starting position. Therefore, the exercising golfer places the swing arm63 to a comfortable backswing starting position, pulls cord 91 taut, andattaches resistance cord hook 93 to the appropriate pair ofcircumferential apertures 73. This series of tasks holds swing arm 63into the selected starting position. If the golfer is right-handed andfacing the wheel 71, he sets the swing arm 63 at approximately the 2O'clock position, pulls cord 91 taut against the right-handed guidepulley 222, and attaches resistance cord hook 93 to the appropriate pairof circumferential apertures 73. When he exercises with the apparatus90, he moves the swing arm assembly 70 in a clockwise direction. Theanchored resistance cord 91 is pulled with the rotating wheel 71 to theright, and against the right-handed guide pulley 222. If the exercisinggolfer is left-handed, he sets the swing arm 63 at approximately the 10O'clock position, pulls cord 91 taut against the left-handed guidepulley 221, and attaches resistance cord hook 93 to the appropriate pairof circumferential apertures 73. When he exercises with the apparatus,he moves the swing arm assembly 70 in a counter clockwise direction. Theanchored resistance cord 91 is pulled with the rotating wheel 71 to theleft, and against the left-handed guide pulley 221. Since the exercisinggolfer's downswing rotates the swing arm assembly 70 approximately 150to 180 degrees, the resistance cord 91 will be pulled around theperiphery of wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a C-shaped groove 72 on its outerperiphery that maintains resistance cord 91 as wheel 71 is rotated. Asthe resistance cord 91 is pulled around the wheel 71, the selectednumber of weight plates 23 attached to resistance cord 91 are elevatedand provide resistance to the golfer. In the described manner, theweight plates 23 resistance means attached to the swing arm assembly 70provides resistance to the exercising golfer, accommodates right-handedor left-handed golfers, and provides various backswing startingpositions for swing arm 63.

The first swing arm assembly 70 embodiment can also employ an elasticband 99 as a resistance means instead of the weight plates 23 resistancemeans, as shown in FIG. 11. The elastic band 99 originates from a U-bolt225 on anterior surface 51 b of the swing plane adjustment element 50and inserts into the selected pair of circumferential apertures 73 via ahook 93 to position swing arm 63 into the selected backswing startingposition. The elastic band 99 is rotated around wheel 71 within C-shapedgroove 72, providing increasing resistance to the exercising golfer asit stretches. As with the weight plates 23 resistance means, the elasticband 99 resistance means attached to the swing arm assembly 70 positionsthe swing arm 63 into various, backswing, starting positions, providesresistance to the exercising golfer, and accommodates left-handed andright-handed golfers.

A second swing arm assembly 70 embodiment has the shaft 61 rigidlyattached to the swing arm 63 without the wheel 71, shown in FIGS. 9 and13. The resistance means, in this embodiment, employs one or moretorsion discs 300 that attach to shaft 61 via a shaft extension 61 a.Like the weight plates 23 resistance means, the torsion discs 300 areused to position swing arm 63 to various, backswing, starting positions,provide rotational resistance to the swing arm assembly 70, andaccommodate left-handed and right-handed golfers. With this resistancemeans, the swing arm assembly 70 has no resistance cord 91 attachmentsand no wheel 71. Instead, the swing arm assembly 70 has an elongatedshaft extension 61 a rigidly added to the proximal shaft 61 b. The shaftextension 61 a has a hexagonal shape. Aligned parallel to the shaftextension 61 a is a stabilization rod 65 that originates from theposterior side 51 d of body 51 of the swing plane adjustment element 50.The proximal ends of shaft extension 61 a and stabilization rod 65 areexposed for placement of one or more torsion discs 300. The torsion disc300 is made up of two main components: a square rubber disc 302 and anouter, circular, plastic encasement 305. The square rubber disc 302 hasa strongly adhered metallic central member 303 that has ahexagonally-shaped, central aperture 301. The plastic encasement 305 hasa square compartment 307, a central hole 306, and a plurality ofperipheral stabilization holes 309 equidistant from the central hole306. The plastic encasement 305 houses the square rubber disc 302 in itssquare compartment 307. The central hole 306 provides exposure for theinternal metallic central member 303 of the square rubber disc 302, andits hexagonally-shaped central aperture 301. The torsion disc 300 isplaced onto the exposed proximal ends of shaft extension 61 a andstabilization rod 65 with the hexagonally-shaped central aperture 301fitting over the shaft extension 61 a and the selected peripheralstabilization hole 309 fitting over stabilization rod 65. Thestabilization rod prevents the torsion disc 300 from rotating when theswing arm assembly 70 is rotated. The fit between the hexagonally-shapedcentral aperture 301 and the hexagonally-shaped shaft extension 61 alocks the swing arm 63 in the selected starting position. The shaftextension 61 a and the central aperture 301 can be any matching shapeother than circular, since shaft extension 61 a would not be rotatablylocked if it were circular. Each selected peripheral hole 309 placedonto stabilization rod 65 places the swing arm 63 into a differentstarting position.

When using the apparatus with the torsion disc 300 resistance means, thegolfer positions swing arm 63 to a comfortable backswing startingposition and places the torsion disc 300 onto the shaft extension 61 aand the stabilization rod 65. Placement of the torsion disc 300 holdsthe swing arm 63 into the selected, backswing, starting position. Thedownswing motion of the golfer rotates the swing arm 63, the shaft 61,and shaft extension 61 a creating a rotational force to the centralaperture 301 of torsion disc 300. Torsion disc 300 does not rotate inresponse to shaft extension 61 a rotation since the selected peripheralhole 309 is placed onto stabilization rod 65. Instead, the rotatingshaft extension 61 a rotates the metallic hexagonal central member 303,which deforms the surrounding square rubber disc 302 within the plastichousing 305. Resistance is generated by the rubber deformation.Increased rotation causes increased rubber deformation producing greaterrotational resistance to the swing arm assembly 63 and the exercisinggolfer. More than one torsion disc 300 can be used to create greaterrotational resistance. The torsion disc 300 produces rotationalresistance regardless of the direction of rotation. Therefore, thismeans of resistance accommodates left-handed and right-handed golfswings. In the described manner, torsion disc 300 positions swing arm 63into the selected, backswing, starting position, provides rotationalresistance to the exercising golfer, and accommodates left-handed andright-handed golf swings.

In a third swing arm assembly 70 embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 8, the wheel 71 is separate and rotatable from swing arm 63 andshaft 61. This is the preferred swing arm assembly 70 embodiment. Itutilizes weight plates 23 as its resistance means. In this embodiment,swing arm 63 is rigidly attached to shaft 61 as in the first swing armassembly 70 embodiment. Wheel 71, however, is separately rotatable fromswing arm 63 and shaft 61 and connected to the weight plates 23resistance means. Wheel 71 is situated between swing arm 63 and shafthousing 58, and is mounted and stabilized on distal shaft 61 d. Distalshaft 61 d extends from shaft housing 58 and passes through a centralopening 141 in wheel 71 before rigidly attaching to swing arm 63. Shafthousing 58 has bearings 133 that allow for frictionless rotation ofshaft 61. Wheel 71 has central opening bearings 137 within the centralopening 141 that allow frictionless rotation of shaft 61 within thewheel 71.

With this third swing arm assembly 70 embodiment, the golfer slowlyrotates the swing arm 63 and its shaft 61 against the stationary wheel71 to place the swing arm 63 into a selected, backswing, startingposition, best shown in FIG. 12. Wheel 71 is held stationary by theresistance cord 91, which connects to its uppermost aspect. Once swingarm 63 is placed into the desired position, a swing arm selector pin 79located on the proximal swing arm segment 63 a inserts into one of aplurality of mid-radius wheel apertures 78 on wheel 71. The swing armselector pin 79 stabilizes the position of swing arm 63 on wheel 71.Each selected mid-radius wheel aperture 78 represents a different swingarm 63 starting position. This swing arm assembly 70 embodiment ispreferred because cord 91 does not have to be detached and reattached tochange swing arm 63 positions. When the selector pin 79 has beeninserted into one of the mid-radius wheel apertures 78, golf swingrotation of swing arm 63 by the exercising golfer rotates the connectedwheel 71. Rotation of wheel 71 pulls weight plates 23 via the resistancecord 91, providing rotational resistance to the exercising golfer. Inthe described manner, this third swing arm assembly 70 embodimentprovides resistance to the exercising golfer via weight plates 23 and isadjustable to various swing arm 63 starting positions. It alsoaccommodates left-handed and right-handed golfers since resistance cord91 can be pulled around the wheel 71 in either direction.

A fourth embodiment of the swing arm assembly 70 is shown in FIG. 7.This embodiment has the shaft 61 rigidly connected to the center ofwheel 71 on its proximal side 74. A resistance means in the form of aresistance generating unit 230 is directly attached to proximal shaft 61b and holds shaft 61 and wheel 71 stationary as shown in FIG. 14. Theunit 230 is most commonly a fluid charged cylinder assembly containing asuitable hydraulic/liquid or pneumatic/gaseous fluid that resistsrotation of an input 231. Unit 230 is firmly attached to the ventralside 51 d of body 51 of the swing plane adjustment element 50. Directattachment of shaft 61 to the input 231 provides rotational resistanceto swing arm 63.

Returning to FIG. 7, the swing arm 63 is independently rotatable fromshaft 61 and wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a cylindrical socket 77 thatoriginates from the central aspect of distal side 75 and extends outwardapproximately 3-4 inches. The socket 77 houses a truncated shaft 143rigidly connected to proximal swing arm segment 63 a via a neck 62. Theneck 62 has a nylon washer 138 around it. The socket 77 has socketbearings 139 that provide frictionless rotation of truncated shaft 143and the attached swing arm 63. Swing arm 63 is slowly rotated on thedistal side 75 of wheel 71 to a selected starting position by theexercising golfer. The swing arm selector pin 79 attached to proximalswing arm segment 63 a is inserted into the selected, mid-radius wheelaperture 78 to stabilize the swing arm 63 in the selected startingposition. Golf swing rotation of swing arm 63 by the exercising golferrotates wheel 71 and shaft 61 against resistance provided by theresistance generating unit 230. The resistance generating unit 230 canresist clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, thus providingresistance to right-handed and left-handed golfers. In the describedmanner, this fourth swing assembly 70 embodiment provides resistance tothe exercising golfer, accommodates right-handed and left-handedgolfers, and is adjustable to various, swing arm 63, backswing, startingpositions

The swing arm 63 is located and designed to allow a natural golf stanceand accommodate the golfer's natural golf swing. Because the golfer'sforearm rotates the swing arm 63, the golfer stands in close proximityto the swing arm assembly 70. A typical golf stance has the golfer'shead leaning forward and down, thus intersecting with the swing plane(FIG. 2). Therefore, the design and location of the swing arm 63 isimportant for providing headroom for the exercising golfer and allowingthe golfer to assume a natural golf stance. One swing arm 63 embodimenthas the swing arm 63 located in the center of the distal side 75 ofwheel 71. Referring to FIGS. 1,2, and 4 as is necessary for a completeview, the proximal swing arm segment 63 a originates centrally on thewheel 71 and is immediately directed peripherally to avoid the forwardposition of the golfer's head. After being peripherally directed awayfrom the golfer's head, the proximal swing arm segment 63 a makes a 90degree turn toward the exercising golfer. The proximal swing arm segment63 a continues past the golfer's head creating room for the forwardlyleaning head. The proximal swing arm segment 63 a then meets a distalswing arm segment 63 b at a second 90 degree turn. The distal swing armsegment 63 b extends away from the golfer and is radially aligned to thecenter of wheel 71. The distal swing arm segment 63 b parallels theexercising golfer's leading arm when the swing plane adjustment element50 is adjusted to the golfer's swing plane. This swing arm 63 isapproximately S-shaped. An alternative embodiment has swing arm 63originating on the distal side 75 of wheel 71 from a peripheralplacement. With a peripheral placement, the proximal swing arm segment63 a originates from wheel 71 lateral to the golfer's forwardly leaninghead, and extends directly past the golfer's head. The proximal swingarm segment 63 a then meets the distal swing arm segment 63 b at a 90degree turn. The distal swing arm segment 63 b extends away from thegolfer and is radially aligned to the center of wheel 71 similar to thecentrally placed swing arm 63. The design of this swing arm 63 isapproximately L-shaped.

Another embodiment of the swing arm 63 is J-shaped and is shown in FIGS.16 and 17. This embodiment has the proximal swing arm segment 63 aoriginating centrally from the distal surface 75 of wheel 71, and beingimmediately directed peripherally to avoid the golfer's head. Theproximal swing arm segment 63 a continues in a radial direction forapproximately two feet. This is further than the previous swing arm 63embodiments. The proximal swing arm segment 63 a then makes a 90 degreeturn towards the exercising golfer providing room for the forwardlyleaning golfer's head. The proximal swing arm segment 63 a then meetsthe distal swing arm segment 63 b at another 90 degree turn. The distalswing arm segment 63 b is directed toward the golfer for approximatly 12to 17 inches. The distal swing arm segment 63 b in this embodiment alsoruns parallel to the golfer's leading arm.

The preferred swing arm 63 embodiment is shown in FIG. 20. This swingarm 63 embodiment is also J-shaped. With this embodiment, the proximalswing arm segment 63 a and the distal swing arm segment 63 b are notcontinuous. The distal swing arm segment 63 b is slidably attached tothe proximal swing arm segment 63 a. At the end of proximal swing armsegment 63 a is a slider 556. The distal swing arm segment 63 b slideswithin slider 556 to accommodate variable arm lengths. The distal swingarm segment 63 b is tightened within slider 556 with slider knob screw557.

The Pad Element

Referring to FIG. 1, the distal swing arm segment 63 b supports aperpendicularly attached pad element 80 that extends out towards thegolfer and connects the golfer to the swing arm 63. Pad element 80accepts the golfer's leading forearm, adjusts for various arm lengths,accommodates for swing path deviations from a perfectly circular swingpath, and provides a means for accommodating the 90 degree rotation ofthe golfer's leading arm. In the preferred embodiment, it consists of anadjustable slider 89, a torque bolt 87, an extension bar 85, a padmember 81 having a cylindrical shape, and a distal pad spring 83. Theadjustable slider 89 is a hollow, rectangular member that fits on therectangular, distal swing arm segment 63 b. It is slidable on the distalswing arm segment 63 b to accommodate various golfer arm lengths. It istightened with torque bolt 87 to firmly attach pad element 80 to thedistal swing arm segment 63 b. This adjustable slider 89 is unnecessarywhen the preferred swing arm assembly 63 embodiment is used whichprovides the slider 556 on the end of proximal swing arm member 63 athat allows the distal swing arm member 63 b to slidably adjust forvariable arm lengths (FIG. 20).

Extension bar 85 is rigidly attached to adjustable slider 89 and extendsout perpendicularly towards the golfer. Mounted around the extension bar85 is the pad member 81, proximally, and a distal pad spring 83,distally. The pad member 81 is a cushioned pad that has a central,hollowed, cylindrical core containing proximal bearings 577 a and distalbearings 577 b (FIGS. 19 a and 19 b) that are enclosed around extensionbar 85. The pad member 81 is rotatable and slidable on extension bar 85.The pad member 81, in the preferred embodiment, has a cylindrical shape.An optional feature of this preferred embodiment is an outer concaveshape that helps hold the golfer's leading arm in the middle of padmember 81 so that it will not slip off and result in injury (FIGS. 1, 4,and 20). Another embodiment of the pad member 81 has a truncated coneshape with an outer concave contour (FIGS. 16 and 17). In thisembodiment the distal half of pad member 81 is wider than the proximalhalf. A third embodiment of pad member 81 has a rectangular shape havinga concave contour on one side (not shown). The distal pad spring 83 ismounted on the distal end of extension bar 85 and biases the pad member81 proximally. External rotation of the golfer's leading upper arm andsupination of the forearm during the downswing results in a 90 degreerotation of the hands and golf club (FIG. 4). This rotation forces theproximally positioned pad member 81 to slide distally along extensionbar 85 towards the golfer and compresses the distal pad spring 83. Ifthe pad member 81 was stationary and could not slide on extension bar85, the leading arm rotation would cause the arm to roll on the padmember 81 and away from the golfer. The result would be the golfer'sarms and club moving away from the golfer's body during the downswingand deviating from the golfer's natural swing plane.

The preferred embodiment of the pad element 80 (FIGS. 19 a and 19 b) hasa proximal pad spring 84 as well as a distal pad spring 83 to providemaximum freedom of arm motion from the swing arm element 63. The padelement 80 embodiment also has bearings 577 a-b within its central corethat protrude out proximally and distally, respectively. A proximal Oring 573 a is positioned over proximal bearing 577 a and held in placeby a proximal E ring 574 a. A distal O ring 573 b is positioned overdistal bearing 577 b and held in place by a distal E ring 574 b. An armstrap 572 on pad member 81 is attached to the proximal O ring 573 a andthe distal O ring 573 b. A shaft collar 575 holds the pad element 80 onextension bar 85.

A multi-plane element 550 is employed in the preferred golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus 90. The multi-plane element 550 (FIGS. 19 a and19 b) is positioned between the distal swing arm segment 63 b and thepad element 80. It provides a means to angulate the pad element 80 onthe distal swing arm segment 45 b to accommodate the increasing verticalplane change of the golfer's leading arm as the downswing progresses(FIG. 18). It also accommodates the golfer's slightly oblong swing pathfrom the perfectly circular swing path of the swing arm element 63. Themulti-plane element 550 has two shaft ends, 570 a and 570 b, rigidlyattached to the distal swing arm segment 63 b. Shaft ends 570 a and 570b hold a pair of shafts 576 parallel to each other and parallel to thedistal swing arm segment 63 b. A multi-plane base 564 having parallelpassages with bearings (not shown) is positioned on the parallel shafts576. The bearings allow the multi-plane base 564 to glide on the pair ofparallel shafts 576. Two proximal parallel springs 581 b and two distalparallel springs 581 a are positioned adjacent to the shaft ends 570 aand 570 b to maintain multi-plane base 564 in the center of the parallelshafts 576. Movement of the multi-plane base 564 on the parallel shafts576 allows the golfer's slightly oblong swing path to be free from theperfectly circular swing path of the swing arm 63.

The multi-plane base 564 has a groove cut out centrally on the side thatfaces the golfer to accommodate a multi-plane hinge platform 567 (FIGS.19 a and 19 b). The multi-plane hinge platform 567 is hingedly attachedto the multi-plane base 564 at the most distal aspects with bolt 568.The proximal aspects of multi-plane base 564 and the multi-plane hingeplatform 567 have cut out slots to accommodate unthreaded hinge block563 and threaded hinge block 562, respectively. Unthreaded hinge block563 is hingedly attached to multi-plane base 564 with bolt 578. Threadedhinge block 562 is hingedly attached to multi-plane hinge platform 567with bolt 569. A fully threaded bolt 566 is positioned through anon-threaded hole in unthreaded hinge block 563, and through a threadedhole in threaded hinge block 562. The head 571 of fully threaded bolt566 abuts unthreaded hinge block 563 on one side, and an E ring 582,positioned approximately three quarter inches from head 571 abutsunthreaded hinge block 563 on the other side. These two abutmentsmaintain the position of unthreaded hinge block 563 on the rotatablefully threaded bolt 566. The end of fully threaded bolt 566 ispositioned beyond threaded hinge block 562, and extends towards theexercising golfer. A knob 565 is non-rotatably attached to the end offully threaded bolt 566. Extension bar 85 is rigidly and perpendicularlyattached to multi-plane hinge platform 567. Rotation of knob 565 by theexercising golfer rotates fully threaded bolt 566. Rotation offully-threaded bolt 566 within unthreaded hinge block 563 creates norelative movement between these two parts since unthreaded hinge block563 is non-threaded and is abutted on each side by bolt head 571 and Ering 582. However, rotation of fully threaded knob 566 within threadedhinge block 562 causes upward or downward movement of threaded hingeblock 562 and the proximal aspect of multi-plane hinge platform 567.Therefore, rotation of knob 565 by the exercising golfer createsdifferent angular positions for the multi-plane hinge platform 567 andthe pad element 80.

In the embodiments listed above, the pad element 80 is adjustable forvarious swing arm lengths, accepts the golfer's leading forearm,accommodates for the 90 degree rotation of the golfer's leading arm, andaccommodates for swing path deviations from a perfectly circular swing.The multi-plane element 550 adjustably angulates the pad element 80 onswing arm element 63 to accommodate the increasing angle of the golfer'sleading arm during the downswing (FIG. 18).

Operation

Prior to operating the golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus 90 (FIG.20), the golfer moves support arm 45 (at hinge 95) and the distallyattached swing arm assembly 70 to a comfortable height (approximately atchin level) by rotating screw jack handle 554 and lengthening orshortening screw jack 553. Next, the golfer adjusts the swing planeangle (at hinge 109) by rotating screw jack handle 552 and lengtheningor shortening screw jack 551. Screw jack handle 552 rotation moves theswing arm assembly 70 and the swing plane adjustment element 50 as asingle unit at hinge 109 until the distal swing arm segment 63 b isparallel to the golfer's leading arm. Next, the swing arm 63 is placedinto a comfortable right-handed or left-handed backswing position andfixated with swing arm selection pin 79. Next, the golfer moves thedistal swing arm segment 63 b along slider 556 of the proximal swing armsegment 63 a to an appropriate length as to place pad member 81 on thegolfer's leading forearm. Distal swing arm segment 63 b is fixated inslider 556 with knob screw 557. Next, the pad member 81 is angulateddownward on multi-plane element 550 using multi-plane knob 565 toaccommodate the increasing vertical position of the golfer's leading armduring the down swing. The last preparation requirement involvesinserting selector pin 29 (not shown in FIG. 20) into a selected sideaperture 19 on a weight plate 23 to choose the number of weight plates23 needed for applying appropriate resistance to the golfer's golf swingmuscles.

The golfer assumes a golf swing position with his arms and golf clubplaced in a full backswing position, and his leading forearm placedagainst the pad member 81. The golfer executes the downswing motion andmoves the swing arm assembly 70 against the resistance of the weightplates 23. The golfer finishes his downswing at or after the ballcontact position. The golfer then relaxes and allows the resistance toreturn him or her to the starting position. The motion is repeated.

1. A golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus for exercising the mostactive upper body golf swing muscles of an exercising golfer whileproviding unrestricted freedom of movement to said exercising golfer'swrists, hands, and golf club, said apparatus comprising: (a) a swing armassembly comprising a swing arm member and a shaft member for rotationby said exercising golfer; (b) a support arm element; (c) a swing planeadjustment element comprising a body being hinged to said support armelement for providing a plurality of swing plane angle positions of saidswing arm assembly, an adjustment lever for adjusting the swing planeangle of said body and said swing arm assembly to accommodate said swingplane angle of said exercising golfer, and a shaft housing extendingfrom said body for supporting rotation of said shaft member; (d) saidshaft member comprising a proximal shaft, mid-shaft and distal shaft,said proximal shaft protruding out of said shaft housing, said mid-shaftsupported within said shaft housing for rotation about a central axis ofrotation, said distal shaft extending from said shaft housing andaligned to said swing arm member; (e) said swing arm member comprising aproximal swing arm segment shaped to circumvent said exercising golfer'supper torso and head, and a distal swing arm segment attached to saidproximal swing arm segment for aligning parallel to a leading forearm ofsaid exercising golfer; (g) a pad element comprising an extension barattached to said distal swing arm segment of said swing arm assembly,and a pad member mounted on said extension bar for accepting saidleading forearm of said exercising golfer. (h) a resistance meansoperatively coupled to said swing arm assembly for providing aresistance force to resist rotation of said swing arm assembly duringsaid downswing by said exercising golfer. (l) a frame element.
 2. Thegolf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid pad member being rotatable on said extension bar and along saidleading arm of said exercising golfer for accommodating any swing pathdeviations of said exercising golfer from a perfectly circular swingpath of said pad element.
 3. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pad member being slidableon said extension bar for accommodating a ninety degree rotation of saidleading arm of said exercising golfer during said downswing.
 4. The golfswing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidpad member having a cylindrical shape.
 5. The golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pad memberhaving a truncated cone shape.
 6. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pad member having arectangular shape.
 7. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said pad member having an outer, concavecontour for maintaining said exercising golfer's leading forearmposition.
 8. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein: (a) said swing arm member being rigidly attached tosaid shaft member; (b) said shaft member further comprising anon-circular shaft extension rigidly attached to said proximal shaft;(c) said swing plane adjustment element further comprising astabilization rod rigidly attached to said body and aligned parallel tosaid non-circular shaft extension; (d) said resistance means being atorsion disc operatively coupled to said non-circular shaft extensionand said stabilization rod for providing a resistance force to resistrotation of said shaft member and said swing arm member.
 9. The golfswing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 8, wherein saidtorsion disc further comprising: (a) a plurality of peripheral holesaligned to fit into said stabilization rod for stabilizing said torsiondisc against rotation. (b) a central non-circular aperture that fitssaid non-circular shaft extension for holding said shaft member and saidswing arm assembly in a selected starting position, and for providing aresistance force to resist rotation of said shaft member and said swingarm assembly by said exercising golfer;
 10. The golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said swing armassembly further comprising: (a) a wheel member comprising a proximalside and a distal side; (b) said proximal side connecting to said distalshaft member; (c) said distal side connecting to said swing arm member.11. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 10,wherein: (a) said shaft member being rigidly, centrally and nonrotatablyattached to said proximal side of said wheel member; (b) said swing armmember being rigidly, centrally and nonrotatably attached to said distalside of said wheel member; (c) said wheel member having a plurality ofevenly spaced pairs of circumferential apertures; (d) said resistancemeans operatively coupled to said pair of circumferential apertures ofsaid wheel member.
 12. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatusaccording to claim 11, wherein said resistance means further comprising:(a) a U-bolt rigidly attached to an anterior surface of said body ofsaid swing plane adjustment element; (b) An elastic band originatingfrom said U-bolt and being attached to the selected pair of saidcircumferential apertures on said wheel member for holding said swingarm in a selected starting position and for providing a resistance forceto resist rotation of said swing arm assembly by said exercising golfer.13. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 10,wherein: (a) said wheel member further comprising a central opening anda plurality of mid-radius apertures; (b) said proximal swing arm segmenthaving a selector pin for inserting into one of the said mid-radiusapertures on said wheel member for placing said swing arm member into aselected starting position; (c) said distal shaft member passing throughsaid central opening of said wheel member and being rigidly connected tosaid proximal swing arm segment so that said wheel member beingrotatable from said shaft member and said swing arm member; (d) saidresistance means operatively coupled to said wheel member.
 14. The golfswing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 13, wherein saidresistance means further comprising: (a) a plurality of weight plates;(b) a plurality of pulley units; (c) a cable originating from saidweight plates, guided by said pulley units, and attached onto said wheelmember for providing a resistance force to resist rotation of said swingarm assembly by said exercising golfer.
 15. The golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: (a) said wheelmember further comprising a socket extending from said distal side and aplurality of mid-radius apertures; (b) said swing arm member furthercomprising a truncated shaft and a selector pin on said proximal swingarm segment; (c) said truncated shaft being housed within said socket ofsaid wheel member for rotatably connecting said swing arm member to saidwheel member; (d) said selector pin aligned for inserting into one ofsaid mid-radius apertures for locking said swing arm into a selectedbackswing starting position; (e) said shaft member being rigidly,centrally, and nonrotatably attached to said proximal side of said wheelmember; (f) said resistance means being a hydraulic or pneumaticresistance generating unit.
 16. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 15, wherein said hydraulic or pneumaticresistance generating unit further comprising: (a) a body rigidlyconnected to said swing plane adjustment element; (b) an inputoperatively coupled to said proximal shaft for providing a resistanceforce to resist rotation of said shaft member and said swing armassembly by said exercising golfer.
 17. The golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said swing armmember having an approximate S-shape for circumventing said exercisinggolfer's upper torso and head.
 18. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said swing arm member having anapproximate L-shape for circumventing said exercising golfer's uppertorso and head.
 19. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said swing arm member having anapproximate J-shape for circumventing said exercising golfer's uppertorso and head.
 20. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said proximal swing arm segment having aslider and knob screw for slidably adjusting and tightening said distalswing arm segment to accommodate for various golfer arm lengths;
 21. Thegolf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid swing plane adjustment element having a fixation means.
 22. Thegolf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 21, whereinsaid swing plane adjustment element fixation means comprising: (a) asemi-circular member rigidly attached to said swing plane adjustmentelement; (b) a plurality of apertures within said semi-circular member;(c) a swing plane pin rigidly attached to said support arm member forinserting into one of said plurality of apertures for fixating saidswing plane adjustment element to said support arm element in a selectedswing plane angular position;
 23. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 21, wherein said swing plane adjustmentelement fixation means comprising: (a) a square tube slider hinged tosaid swing plane adjustment element; (b) a short apertured square tubinghinged to said support arm member and slidable within said square tubeslider; (c) a plurality of apertures within said short apertured squaretubing; (d) a swing plane pin rigidly attached to said square tubeslider for inserting into one of said plurality of apertures forfixating said square tube slider to said short apertured square tubingand for fixating said swing plane adjustment element to said support armmember in a selected swing plane angular position.
 24. The golf swingmuscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said swingplane adjustment element fixation means comprising a screw jackoriginating from said adjustment lever and inserting on said support armelement for changing and fixating said swing plane adjustment element ina selected angular position.
 25. The golf swing muscle strengthenerapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said support arm elementcomprising: (a) a support arm member; (b) a hinge for providingelevational and lowering motion of said support arm member; (c) afixation means for fixating said support arm member in a selected heightposition for accommodating various golfer heights.
 26. The golf swingmuscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 25, wherein saidsupport arm fixation means comprising: (a) an arcuate member; (b) aplurality of apertures on said arcuate member; (c) a height selector pinon said frame for inserting into said arcuate member aperture forfixating said support arm member in said selected height position; 27.The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 25,wherein said support arm fixation means comprising: (a) a square tubeattached to said frame element; (b) a long apertured square tubingslidable within said square tube and attached to said support armmember; (c) a plurality, of apertures on said long apertured squaretubing; (d) a height selector pin on said square tube for inserting intosaid aperture of said long apertured square tubing for fixating saidsupport arm in said selected height position.
 28. The golf swing musclestrengthener apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said support armfixation means comprising a screw jack inserting on said support armmember and originating on said frame element for changing and fixatingsaid support arm member in said selected height position.
 29. The golfswing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidpad element having a multi-plane element comprising: (a) a base attachedto said swing arm member; (b) a hinge platform hingedly attached to saidbase and rigidly attached to said pad element; (c) a fully threaded-bolthingedly attached to said base and said hinge platform; (d) a knob forrotating said bolt creating various angular positions of said hingeplatform and said pad element for accommodating the increasing verticalplanar changes of said golfer's leading arm during said downswing.